On October 16, 2016 Mrs. Norma Klau of Mahwah, NJ passed away surrounded by her loving family.
Ms. Klau moved to Bergen County in 1967 after graduating from C.W. Post College in Long Island, with a degree in Studio Art. In 1970 she became one of the most influential teachers in the Glen Rock School District Art Department and remained that way for 38 years. While in the GR school district she taught at Coleman School and then followed many of the students she inspired to the Junior and Senior High School, where she then remained for the rest of her tenure at Glen Rock until 2008. Ms. Klau was known also as the superhero Wonder Woman. Her superpowers shined through how she influenced and guided all of the students, not just the ones in her class. She dressed as Wonder Woman frequently for Halloween.
“It’s hard acknowledging that our super heroes are mortal. Mrs. Klau was a true inspiration and supported my artistic endeavors after high school, college, and beyond. Always with a warm hug and loving eyes, she adored her students and family. She will be missed dearly.”
Paul Fremder
I first met Norma at Coleman when she was the art teacher for my sons. Right away you knew that here was a special person. Through the years I knew her I never changed my opinion. She was a delight and I feel privileged to have been able to have had the relationship with her.
Rona McNabola
I remember most the way she always made students feel comfortable in her classroom. On her free period, you could find her with a group of students sitting around a table, just talking and smiling. And that Diamond! Who could forget that Diamond! I’m a high school art teacher for over 20 years now and she was an influence on me, and how I approach kids today.
Jessica Zadigain Miranda
She was always kind to everyone…and will be sorely missed by her colleagues and students. I am grateful to have been a friend. Heartfelt condolences to her beloved family.
Joan Hirning
She is survived by her loving husband, Barry Klau; her daughter, Danielle (John) Cochran; her nephew, Sean Doyle; her niece, Theresa (Dennis) Gregory; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Alana, Brenna, Darren, Justin and Cameron; and her grandchildren, Margaret, Benjamin and Josephine, a k a “Chunks.”
Visitation will be held at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey, NJ
Friday, October 21, 2016, from 6-9 PM.
Funeral service: Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 9:30-11:30 AM at the funeral home.
Entombment will follow at the Garden of Memories in Washington Twsp., NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.
